You’ve hit publish, delivered the content, tagged the brand, responded to a few fire emojis, and maybe even poured yourself a glass of wine to toast the end of another successful collaboration. Cheers to that.
But before you sink too deep into your sofa and start bingeing your next series, let’s talk about what comes after the post, because if you stop at the content, you’re leaving a lot of potential (and possible future paid opportunities) on the table.
Far too many creators hit “post”, and move straight onto the next thing, missing out on golden opportunities to grow, get noticed, and build lasting brand relationships. But if you want to level up, secure repeat work, and keep your name circulating in the right rooms, what you do after the partnership matters just as much as the content you created.
Here’s what you should be doing after every partnership to turn one-offs into long-term wins.
1. Send a follow-up email (not just a DM)
It’s easy to assume that once you’ve delivered the content, your work is done. But following up is where long-term relationships are built. Send a short, professional email to the brand or PR contact thanking them for the opportunity, sharing any early results (if applicable), and letting them know you’d love to work together again. Even if they don’t reply straight away, it plants the seed.
Tip: Keep it personal. Mention something specific from the collaboration so it doesn’t feel like a copy-paste.
2. Ask for feedback
If you want to grow, you need to be open to feedback; good, bad, or constructive. Ask the brand if they were happy with the content and if there’s anything you could do differently next time. It shows you’re professional, self-aware, and keen to improve.
This also helps you understand what different brands value most eg. aesthetic? engagement? storytelling?
3. Share performance results
You don’t need to wait for them to ask. Share insights from your post(s), reach, saves, shares, story taps, clicks, and any replies or comments that stand out. Even for gifted collaborations, this is a power move. It shows the brand you take your work seriously, and it positions you for paid work next time.
And if your content performed well? Don’t be shy. Let them know.
4. Engage with the brand’s page afterwards
Don’t just tag and bounce. Keep engaging with the brand, like their posts, comment, reply to stories. It keeps you on their radar and shows genuine interest beyond a transactional exchange. Brands are far more likely to rebook creators who show love and build rapport.
5. Repurpose your content (strategically)
That gorgeous shot you posted on your feed? Don’t let it disappear into the scroll. Turn it into a Reel, a Pinterest pin, or use it in a newsletter if you have one. Creators who treat their content like assets rather than one-off deliverables tend to grow faster and attract more brand work.
Also: repost a few weeks later to extend its life. Just make sure to tag the brand again.
6. Update your media kit
If it was a big name, a great result, or a campaign you’re proud of, add it to your media kit. Include visuals, stats, and a short sentence about what you delivered. Over time, this builds a portfolio that speaks for you when pitching.
This is especially key if you’re trying to land higher rates or pitch new categories.
7. Reflect on how it went
What worked? What didn’t? Was the brief clear? Did you feel fairly compensated for the effort involved? Would you say yes again? Every partnership is a learning moment. The more intentional you are about reflection, the better your future collaborations will be.
Also ask yourself: did this align with my audience? Did it help or confuse my brand positioning?
8. Keep a running list of your partnerships
It’s not just about remembering who you’ve worked with, it’s about seeing patterns. Are you getting repeat work from the same type of brand? Are certain industries more responsive to your content style? Keeping a simple spreadsheet can help you track growth, average rates, and most importantly: who to follow up with in a few months.
9. Follow up again (yes, again)
Three months later, reach out to the brand or PR contact with a casual check-in. Mention the campaign you worked on, ask if they’ve got anything coming up, and remind them you’re keen to collaborate again. Creators who stay in touch are the ones who get remembered.
Pro tip: Follow up around a new season, product launch or event. Timing is everything.
You don’t need a new agency, fancy lighting or 10k followers to grow. What you do need is consistency, professionalism, and a strategy that extends beyond the post. Partnerships aren’t just opportunities for content, they’re opportunities for connection. And if you treat each one as a stepping stone rather than a standalone gig, your growth will reflect it.